Question: How do I make my outdoor lights more dark sky friendly?

Explanation: Dark skies are the historic and natural state of nature. Over time humans have increased the amount of light shining into the sky all night long. This disruption of excessive light has robbed us of our stars and endangered the nature around us. We can have dark skies again if we can learn to control light pollution with responsible outdoor lighting practices.

To make your outdoor lights more dark sky friendly, follow these steps:

1. Does the light serve a clear and necessary purpose? 
   • Light is useful for safe wayfinding and to help perform specific tasks. In the example below, the light illuminates only the entryway and stairs, where it is needed. If you find that lights on your property are not necessary or useful, remove or disable them so that they are not accidentally turned on.
2. Does the light fall only where it is needed?
   • Direct the light down, not up into the sky, and target your fixtures so that light does not spill beyond where it is needed. The light source should not be visible from beyond your property. If the light spills beyond where it is needed, install proper shielding and/or re-orient the light so that it does not extend beyond where it is needed. Be especially mindful of light that spills up into the sky, or onto other people’s property.
3. Is the amount of light appropriate for the intended task?
   • Use the lowest lighting level needed to perform the task. Light levels are measured in lumens, so check your light source and use the lowest lumens possible. Excessive light can contribute to glare, actually making it harder to see things well. If you find that the lighting level around your home is too bright for the task it is intended for, consider changing the fixture’s bulb or installing a new fixture with a lower lumens value.
4. Is the light connected to active controls?
   • All outdoor lighting should be connected to a light switch, timer, and/or motion sensor so that they are used only when they are needed. Most lightbulbs manufactured today have a Kelvin rating printed on the bulb. Low Kelvin ratings (3000 Kelvin or less) are considered warm and generally emit less harmful blue light than high Kelvin. For home lighting, there are good options at 2700 Kelvin or less. Outdoor lights that cannot be easily controlled with an on/off switch should be connected to a timer or motion sensor. Motion sensors should be set to times of 5 minutes or less. Dusk-to-dawn sensors are strongly discouraged as they release light when it is not needed.
     
     *Make sure sensor triggers are set appropriately so that they light the area only when people are present.
5. Is the light source warm in color?
   • Most lightbulbs manufactured today have a Kelvin rating printed on the bulb. Low Kelvin ratings (3000 Kelvin or less) are considered warm and generally emit less harmful blue light than high Kelvin. For home lighting, there are good options at 2700 Kelvin or less.

Additional Resources

• Dark Skies
• DarkSky Approved

Question: Why should I scoop poop in my own yard?

Explanation: Pet waste left on the grass or in the woods makes its way to storm drains every time it rains. Storm drains lead to lakes or streams that ultimately lead to the Occoquan Reservoir and the Potomac Rivers, our drinking water supply. Pet waste may carry disease-causing organisms, which make water unsafe for swimming and more costly to treat for drinking. Pet waste also contains nutrients that accelerate the growth of nuisance algae, and harms aquatic life.

Pet waste on the ground is ugly and messy. It pollutes our environment even if it is hidden in the bushes, under leaves or in the woods. Please pick up after your pets.

Additional Resources

• Picking Up Dog Waste: Scoop the Poop

Question: Why and how should I reduce my use of lawn and garden pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizer?

Explanation: Reducing the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in your lawn and garden can help protect people, pets, and the environment. These chemicals can be harmful when used, stored, or disposed of improperly. Overuse can also kill beneficial insects and soil organisms, weaken plant roots, and reduce nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. Pesticides and fertilizers that enter waterways can be deadly to aquatic life.

Use an Integrated Pest Management approach to help determine whether pesticides and fertilizers are necessary and reduce the risks associated with improper use or overuse of pesticides. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. View the resources attached for more information.

Additional Resources

• Reduce Pesticides for Human and Environmental Health
• Controlling Pests - You and Your Land

Question: What length should I cut my grass to? Why is mulching and leaving grass on my lawn beneficial?

Explanation: 

Grasscycling is more than just a trendy lawn care practice – it's a smart and eco-conscious way to maintain your lawn without the hassle of bagging up clippings. Instead of discarding them, leave them on your lawn, providing a natural source of nutrients and moisture. But the benefits go beyond mere convenience:

• Environmental Benefits: By returning essential nutrients and moisture to the soil, grasscycling promotes a healthier lawn while also reducing waste. 
• Cost Savings: Say goodbye to excessive watering and expensive fertilizers. Grasscycling helps you save money while still achieving a lush, vibrant lawn.
• Time Efficiency: Forget about the tedious chore of bagging clippings. Grasscycling saves you time and energy.

Three easy steps to grasscycle:

• Cut grass three to four inches high, or mow one-third of the grass blade at a time.
• Let the grass clippings lay where they fall. 
• To avoid clumping, mow when grass is dry or use a mulching blade.

Additional Resources

• Mow Less Grow More
• Yard Waste

Question: Why plant native flowers instead of non-native? Which native flowers are best to plant in my garden?

Explanation: Native species are those that occur in the region in which they evolved. Plants evolve over geologic time, adapting to the climate, soils, timing of rainfall, drought, frost and complex interactions with other species. In North America, plant species are generally described as native if they grew here before European settlement.

Native plants provide many benefits to our wildlife, providing essential food and habitat, and serve as a foundation to our local ecosystems. In addition, native plants often surpass non-natives in ruggedness and resistance to drought, insects and disease. As beautiful and important as native plants are, why wouldn’t you want them in your garden?

Find out which native plants are best for your garden by using guides provided by your local nursery or a partner non-profit, like Plant NOVA Natives.

Additional Resources

• Plant Native Plants

Question: Why should I remove invasive non-native plants from my yard? How do I remove non-native invasive plants?

Explanation: Invasive species can lead to the extinction of native plants and animals, reduce biodiversity, and permanently change habitats.

Management of invasive plants can appear to be a complicated and unending task. A variety of methods are used to control invasive plants. How effective the control method varies with the skill of application, the type of infestation, and many other factors. The majority of these methods described are most effective when used in combination. Fairfax County Park Authority’s Invasive Management Area program tackles many of these issues and provide assistance for homeowners to take action. For more information, visit our Invasive Area Management site linked below.

Additional Resources

• Invasive Management Area Program
• Managing Invasive Species

Question: How do I fix an eroded bare spot in my yard?

Explanation: Bare spots are often caused by inadequate growing conditions or by runoff washing away topsoil. In either case, once the protective vegetative cover is gone, erosion occurs at a faster pace. If erosion continues unabated, gullies may begin to form that will deepen and widen over time.

There are several protection strategies for recovering eroded land. For areas with light erosion problems, replanting with vegetation and covering with mulch are good solutions. For erosion along footpaths, covering with mulch or stone is the best option. For heavy erosion in areas of concentrated flow, the most effective solutions are check dams or terraces.

See the website linked blow for more information and resources.

Additional Resources

• Stop Erosion - Solving Drainage and Erosion Problems

Question: Where do I get native trees or shrubs for my yard? How do I plant them?

Explanation: Native trees are a good choice for natural areas and open spaces, as they help the local environment by providing food and habitats for wildlife and pollinators. However, in areas with more development, non-native, non-invasive species may be better able to tolerate the conditions. View the links below for more information of how plant native trees on your own property.

Additional Resources

• Native Seedling Sale
• Find a Tree Planting Program
• Habitat for wildlife and pollinators
• Greater tolerance of these conditions
• Gardening Resources

Question: How do I know if I’ve mowed outside my property boundaries? Why is it important to mow within property boundaries?

Explanation:

With so many county communities bordering parkland, it is not surprising that park neighbors occasionally enter into activities that go beyond their property lines. Encroachments are illegal, are punishable by law, and can take many forms:

• Dumping yard waste and debris
• Removing trees and other vegetation
• Extending yards onto parkland
• Storing equipment and materials
• Erecting fences and structures

Encroachments damage park resources. Piles of yard waste may introduce destructive, invasive plants into natural areas. Removal of trees and other foliage decreases the vegetative cover that filters pollutants from the air and modifies temperatures. Removal of natural ground vegetation encourages erosion and allows surface run-off to contaminate water sources. Digging and removal of artifacts on undeveloped land destroys the integrity of archaeological and historic sites. Extending yards, storing material and equipment, and erecting private fences or other structures on parkland effectively limits access to acres of public land by fellow citizens.

View your boundary by visiting our RPA Guidance Map. Stay within property boundaries to protect and restore Resource Protected Areas.

Additional Resources

• Park Encroachment
• FAQs: Resource Protection Areas

Question: Why is dumping not composting? How does dumping yard waste harm forests?

Explanation: Protect parks and streams from the harmful effects of dumping. Dumping is not composting. 

DO bag it at the curb in paper bags or reusable bins. 
Acceptable materials include: 

• Brush 
• Grass clippings 
• Leaves 
• Bundled branches (no larger than 6” in diameter)

DON’T dump yard waste in common areas and storm drains. It’s harmful and illegal! 
DON’T bag these with yard waste: 

• Pet waste 
• Rocks 
• Diseased plants 
• Invasive plants

If in doubt, leave it out. Don’t contaminate yard waste – it gets processed into free community mulch and compost. Dispose of "Don't" items in your regular garbage.

Additional Resources

• Keep yard waste out of natural areas
• Yard Waste
• Bag Yard Waste - But Use Paper (or Containers), Not Plastic

Question: What do I tell my neighbor about Watch the Green Grow?

Explanation: Fairfax County Park Authority's Watch the Green Grow (WTGG) public education program increases conservation corridors, reverse parkland encroachment, promotes conservation (“green”) actions and protects water quality in Fairfax County. 

Add to our map to encourage “green actions” we all can take on our own properties, to support conservation activities that protect our region’s wildlife habitats and water quality.

Additional Resources

• Watch the Green Grow

Question: Which native plants should I promote to my HOA or community association?

Explanation: Find out which native plants are best for your landscaping by following the link below. Encourage your HOA to adopt landscaping and policies that include native plant installations.

Additional Resources

• Plant Native Plants